Recommendation to Upgrade Axle and Suspension on 2012 Jayco Jay Series 10 Trailer

Updated 06/01/2018 | Published 05/30/2018

Question:

Im upgrading my 2012 Jayco Jay series 10 trailer. Looking at switching to a 3500 lb axle, 5 bolt hubs and doing a spring over. Current set up: axle length is approx 68-69 3 spring set, 25inch bolt to bolt 4 bolt hub w/ electric brakes I have room to go to a wider axle and our initial measurements show we have around 23inch overall diameter for wheels. Can you recommend a complete set up for me including: Axle w/ hubs and brakes Springs Hardware Plus wheels and tires Qty 3* basically everything *For wheels and tires I am looking for the best off road capability. Not rock crawling or anything but some of our trips would see us travelling 30-50kms on Forestry roads so I am looking for a sturdy trailer tire with strong sidewall/construction Your help and advise is greatly appreciated. Any questions, please throw them at me. Note that I am a complete newbie at this! Thanks in advance. Regards,

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

While we do not have any standard straight axles available in the length that you mentioned in your question, I have what might be an even better option to upgrade the axle and suspension on your Jayco Jay Series 10 Trailer.

I recommend taking a look at the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # A35RS545E. This Axle-Less system will provide the trailer with a smooth, quiet, and safe ride and can also eliminate the need for a thru axle. These will install on any frame width and the suspension units will replace your existing axle and operate independently. The AEON progressive-rate springs on the units will also take the place of leaf springs on your trailer, offering the same reliable performance regardless of your load size. This particular kit features a 3,500 pound capacity and includes hubs and electric brake assemblies. This is essentially an all-in-one system that will give you everything you need to upgrade the axle and suspension on your trailer.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the Axle-Less Suspension System so you can see exactly how it installs and operates.

The hubs on the Timbren kit feature a bolt pattern of 5 on 4-1/2 inches. You will just want to make sure the new wheels you purchase match this pattern. We have a large selection of tire and wheel combos available, which I have linked for you below. I recommend taking a look at what size tires you currently have mounted and sticking with that size, possibly upgrading to a higher load range to match the upgraded axle. If you can tell me what size you are currently using, I will be happy to make a specific recommendation.

One final thing of note with regards to upgrading the axle on your trailer. While the axle on a trailer is generally what decides the trailer's overall capacity, there still might be other components, such as the frame itself, that might dictate the amount you can load onto it. This essentially means that upgrading the axle capacity by itself does not necessarily upgrade the trailer's overall rating. Since you will always be limited by its weakest component, if the trailer frame has a lower capacity than 3,500 pounds, you will still need to follow this limit even though the axle has been replaced.

expert reply by: Chris R